Don't pretend to know or understand a lot about this topic but I will say that I have found that my 2014 GMC 6.0 6 speed tows our 6000 lb trailer on the level and over small humps, 3-4 K feet elevation, better in drive with the T/H not engaged than any other way. Or so it seems to me, but have less than 2K towing on this rig yet so still learning. Tinbender